Barb Caffrey's Blog

Folks, there has been a ton of things happening in Chez Caffrey the last few weeks. Most of them, I can’t talk about yet…and I have to say I wish I could, because they’re very frustrating and worrying things. Because of my late Uncle Ralph’s passing, I’ve been reminded of mortality more than usual — and I’m already more aware of mortality than most due to my late husband Michael’s way-too-early death.

That said, I do have a piece of good news to share that kind of got lost in the shuffle with the news of my uncle’s passing.

“C’mon, Barb,” you say. “Spill it, already.”

Well, I think — I hope, anyway! — that I remembered to tell folks here at my blog that my story “A Cold, Bleak Day in the Hellers” had been accepted into the latest Darkover anthology, this being JEWELS OF DARKOVER. Well, the anthology is now out, and that means you can read my story.

“What’s your story about?”

My story’s about two people who would seem to be the most mismatched on Darkover put into a situation where they must make an alliance marriage and make the best of it. That said, they have some unusual strengths, partly because the man is a scholar and the woman is a swordswoman of the Sisterhood of the Swords. Both are literate. Both are strong, settled personalities. So, they might not have expected to fall in love, and maybe even were worried about “falling in like,” but things shake out in such a way that both can play to each other’s strengths.

I’m very proud of this story. I hope you will enjoy it.

“Who else is in this antho, Barb?” you ask.

From the back cover:

Evey Brett + Barb Caffrey + Margaret L. Carter and Leslie Roy Carter + Lillian Csernica + India and Rosemary Edghill + Leslie Fish + Shariann Lewitt + Marella Sands + Deborah Millitello + Diana L. Paxson + Rhondi Salsitz

(OK, I listed myself in there.)

Now for the not-so-good (redacted) news.

I can’t tell you about this yet. I wish I wouldn’t have to tell you about this at all. But as my extended family is already grieving, I am trying to keep a lid on this news (it’s not about my health, though mine is no better, in case you’re wondering).

I don’t like doing this. I feel as if a gag and a blindfold were put on me, and not for any good purpose, either.

That said, until (redacted) happens — if it does — I can’t say anything publicly, especially as I hope (redacted) will get better.

Even saying this much possibly may cause trouble around Chez Caffrey. So be it.

Otherwise, all I can tell you on this Mother’s Day is to do two things:

If your mother is still alive, do whatever you can to show that you love her. Things are far less important than actions. Do what you can, as you can, because life is way too damned short sometimes.

If your mother isn’t, or if you are grieving (as my extended family is right now), think about those you love, and have loved. Do whatever you can to honor their memories. Do what Disturbed’s song “Hold on to Memories” says to do:

“Go do the best things in life. Take a bite of this world while you can. Make the most of the rest of your life. Make a ride of this world while you can.”

So, in that spirit, I will keep doing whatever I can to remind myself that I am a creative person with many different, disparate abilities. That I can’t do much to help with (redacted) is not my fault.

I can only do my best, and if that’s not enough…well, then it isn’t.

I do wish I had better news to share than this on a personal level. But I will continue to do the best that I can, for as long as I can, to the depth and breadth of my soul.